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Thanksgiving parades
Duck Dynasty’s Si, Willie and Jase Robertson went to New York City on Thursday where they took part in the prestigious Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Uncle Si, Willie and Jase Robertson were sporting their favorite hats, bandannas and warm coats as they stand on their float.
At times, the Duck Dynasty stars looked a little bemused as their boat-like float Marion Carole made its way along the route lined by a reported 3.5 million spectators.
Duck Dynasty stars looked a little bemused as their boat-like float Marion Carole made its way along the route lined by 3.5 million spectators
Jase Robertson, sporting his trademark beanie hat, sunglasses and sheepskin fleece, was joined by his wife Missy who looked a lot more seasonal in red coat and black hat.
Duck Dynasty has just completed the fourth season with the premiere attracting a whopping 11.8 million, making it the most-watched nonfiction cable telecast in history.
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Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons lay on their bellies on the pavement of West 77th Street in Manhattan as they were inflated on Wednesday evening.
Spectators to the inflation of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons streamed by, children in strollers pointing out their favorites, parents pulling tiny parkas closed and shoving little hats down on heads as the wind steadily picked up throughout the afternoon.
New York City officials have been monitoring that wind, wary that strong breezes could mean that Spider-Man will not soar and Woodstock from “Peanuts” may not get his bird’s-eye view.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons may not be flown if the weather creates hazardous conditions
Earlier weather predictions of winds that would exceed NYC’s limit for flying balloons — a rule that kicks in if winds are 23 miles per hour or more and gusts exceed 34 mph. — had been scaled down. New predictions as of 4 p.m. on Wednesday called for Thanksgiving morning winds of 20 mph with gusts of 30 to 35 mph, according to the National Weather Service.
The final decision will be made on Thursday morning by several agencies, based on guidelines that were created after a Cat in the Hat balloon hit a lamppost at 72nd Street and Central Park West in 1997, knocking down part of the pole and injuring four spectators.
Forecasting winds in the city is challenging because of the “canyon effect,” with the tall buildings along the parade route creating a tunnel, said Joe Picca, a meteorologist at the Weather Service.
“Tomorrow before the event we will make a determination,” said James P. Hall, the Police Department’s chief of patrol, on Wednesday afternoon.
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Balloons have only been grounded once in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade’s 87-year history, when bad weather kept them from flying in 1971.
This year, a storm bearing down on the East Coast with a messy mix of snow, rain and wind is threatening to ground giant balloon versions of Snoopy and SpongeBob SquarePants in the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The iconic characters that soar between the Manhattan skyscrapers every year may not lift off Thursday if sustained winds exceed 23 mph and gusts exceed 34 mph, according to city rules enacted after fierce winds in 1997 caused a Cat in the Hat balloon to topple a light pole and seriously injure a woman spectator.
Current forecasts call for sustained winds of 20 mph and gusts of 36 mph.
“At this time, it is too early to make any determinations on the flight of the giant balloons,” said Macy’s spokesman Orlando Veras.
Balloons have only been grounded once in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade’s 87-year history
“On Thanksgiving morning, Macy’s works closely with the NYPD, who, based on real time weather data and the official regulations, determine if the balloons will fly and at what heights.”
Balloons are set to be inflated in Manhattan on Wednesday evening.
The parade was awash in animal-related protests over its floats, with controversies involving the unlikely pairing of rocker Joan Jett and Shamu the killer whale.
Activists planned to line the parade route to protest a SeaWorld float over accusations in a new documentary that the theme parks treat whales badly. And ranchers succeeded in getting Joan Jett pulled off the South Dakota tourism float after they questioned why the vegetarian and animal-rights ally was representing their beef-loving state.
SeaWorld says the accusations have “absolutely no basis” and that “the men and women who care for these animals at SeaWorld are dedicated in every respect to their health and well-being.”
Macy’s said the parade does not engage in social commentary or political debate.
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- The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was first held in 1924 when was called the Macy’s Christmas Day Parade although it took place on Thanksgiving Day.
- Live animals including camels, goats, elephants, and donkeys, were a part of the parade that inaugural year.
- The original parade route was from 145th Street and Convent Avenue to 34th Street and Herald Square.
- The floats were pulled by horses. In the first parade a white steed that was to aid in the Ben-Hur float disappeared at the last minute before the start of the parade.
- In 1925 and 1926, bears, lions, and tigers were added to the live animals used, but the use of these animals had to be discontinued because they scared children.
- In 1927, Macy’s introduces the world famous giant helium balloons. The first balloons included Felix the Cat and Toy Soldier.
- 1928 saw the first release of the giant balloons into the air at the end of the line of march. The balloons promptly exploded after reaching a certain altitude.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was first held in 1924
- The balloons were redesigned and again released. Equipped with a return address label, Macy’s offered a prize for their return.
- In 1932, Clarence Chamberlain, an aviator flying above New York City, catches the Pig Balloon in mid air in order to claim the prize money.
- Santa Claus has ended the parade every year except 1933, the only year in which he led the parade.
- The parade was cancelled in 1942, 1943, and 1944 due to World War II.
- In 1955, the parade telecast returns to NBC after a two year tune on CBS.
- Due to a helium shortage in 1958, the balloons are brought down Broadway on cranes.
- In 1969 the Macy’s Parade Studio moves to its current home in Hoboken, New Jersey in a former Tootsie Roll factory.
- Dino the Dinosaur balloon was inducted into the American Museum of Natural History in 1975 as an honorary member.
- In 1977, the “Parade Lady” Jean McFaddin takes the helm of the parade, which she leads for the next 24 years.
- In the 1980s, the smaller “novelty” balloons were introduced, including the Macy’s stars and the 30 foot triple-scoop ice cream cone. “Falloons” were also introduced at this time. A combination of float and cold air balloon, this is a highlight of the creativity of the Macy’s Parade Studio.
- In 1989, the parade marches on through its very first snowstorm.
- The 1990s saw the parade balloons adding new characters from the internet, video games, and contemporary cartoons. Sonic the Hedgehog, Ask Jeeves, and the Rugrats were just a few of these balloons.
- The parade has attracted a sea of celebrities. The years have seen Harpo Marx, Jackie Gleason, Diana Ross, Sammy Davis, Jr., Stevie Wonder, Tony Bennett, Barry Manilow, NSYNC, Shania Twain, and Christina Aguilera.
- Macy’s is the world’s second largest consumer of helium. The US government is the first.
- If you laid every parade balloon since 1927 end to end they would stretch from Battery Park City to the Cloisters.
- More than 50,000 clowns have delighted millions of children along the parade route. [youtube SyTjDrW470w 650]
The 80th Annual McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade kicks off the season with a fun-filled morning in the heart of Chicago downtown.
From 8 am – 11 am on November 28, watch the colorful procession makes its way up State Street from Congress Parkway to Randolph Street at this free, all-ages event.
Only at the McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade in Chicago you can catch a 50-foot helium turkey balloon float down iconic State Street and Ronald McDonald working the crowd.
Originally called the Christmas Caravan in the 1930s, the parade was created to help lift the spirits of residents suffering though the Great Depression. What started out as an attempt to boost Chicago’s economy has evolved into a full-scale holiday spectacle and cherished tradition for Chicagoans and Americans alike.
The 80th Annual McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade kicks off the season with a fun-filled morning in the heart of Chicago downtown
Join the crowd of 400,000 spectators as they line up in the Loop along State Street. At the front, Mr. Ronald McDonald is your honorary grand marshal and he leads a parade of over 100 units, a lively mix of everything from equestrian performers and fire twirlers to ballerinas and soul steppers.
Gaze upward as the skyline fills up with giant inflatable helium balloons. You’ll see a cast of familiar faces from Garfield the Cat outfitted as a pilgrim to Bullwinkle J. Moose looking sharp in his suit.
Wave at the entertainers atop decorative floats. Don’t miss fan favorite Santa Claus as he ushers in the holidays with his trademark red suit, white beard and jolly smile.
On the ground, talented equestrian groups, high school marching bands and specialty units keep the crowd entertained for hours. Catch miniature horses, cowgirls and beautiful Arabians. Marvel at the Samoan Fire Dancers and Jesse White Tumblers. Move to the music with Bolivian dancers, Irish steppers, Taiwanese puppets – even a dancing Chinese dragon.
Topping it all off are incredible staged performances throughout the day within the main stage area between Washington and Randolph Street.
Join Teddy the Turkey, the parade’s official mascot, for Chicago’s annual holiday tradition.
For additional details on the 80th McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade, including the full lineup of performer groups and information on VIP Experience tickets, visit chicagofestivals.org.
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The 94th Annual 6abc Dunkin’ Donuts Thanksgiving Day Parade kicks off on Thursday, November 28, at 8:30 a.m. with a half hour preview show followed by three hours of parade action.
Action News’ Rick Williams and Cecily Tynan will co-host the broadcast, with Karen Rogers and Adam Joseph LIVE along the parade route.
Philadelphia Phillies’ first baseman, Ryan Howard, is making his second 6abc Dunkin’ Donuts Thanksgiving Day Parade appearance this year.
Returning for his 6th Philly parade appearance is Good Morning America’s Sam Champion. New this year, Actor/Comedian Cedric The Entertainer of Who Wants to be a Millionaire.
Chad Duell and Kristen Alderson of ABC’s General Hospital, join the parade team again this year for the 2013 star-studded lineup.
The 6abc Dunkin’ Donuts Thanksgiving Day Parade is known for having “something for everyone” with 14 balloons, 15 floats 17 marching bands from across our nation, and fan favorites from stage and screen.
The 94th Annual 6abc Dunkin’ Donuts Thanksgiving Day Parade kicks off on November 28 with a half hour preview show followed by three hours of parade action
Music performances include, Radio Disney’s Coco Jones with Holidays Unwrapped’, the cast of Jersey Boys, Debbie Gibson, Jay Sean, Regina Belle, Danielle Bradbery from The Voice, American Idol runner up, Elliott Yamin and Pretty Poison’s Jade Starling.
Additional entertainment will include, Jerry Blavat, Irish Tenor Anthony Kearns, and the cast of Elf.
In attendance especially for young parade-goers will be Walt Disney World’s Mickey Mouse & Minnie Mouse. Also included will be a special performance from the Sesame Place characters including Elmo, Zoe, Ernie, Bert, Count, Cookie Monster, Grover, Murray, Rosita and Abby. Plus, a parade tradition continues as we feature a special appearance by Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus.
Additional appearances include the Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders, Miss America 2008, Kirsten Haglund, Miss America’s Outstanding Teen 2014 – Leah Sykes, Miss New Jersey, Miss Delaware, Miss Pennsylvania, Miss New Jersey’s Outstanding Teen, Miss Delaware’s Outstanding Teen, Miss Pennsylvania’s Outstanding Teen and The Pennsbury High School Marching Band.
This year’s telecast will feature behind-the-scenes videos and interactive opportunities for viewers. Viewers both in and out of the Philadelphia television market can get a unique viewing experience on 6abc.com, with two live camera options. The first camera will offer a birds-eye view of the entire parade. The second camera will follow Meteorologist Adam Joseph as he traverses the Parkway with the Dunkin’ Donuts Fan Cam. The “Parade Fan Cam” can be seen starting at 9 a.m. Thanksgiving morning on 6abc.com. There, Adam Joseph will be LIVE, giving viewers a unique view of the parade, while uploading photos and chatting with viewers via Twitter and Facebook.
Philadelphia’s most time-honored event is the longest running Thanksgiving Day parade in America.
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Cold and wind will challenge those attending some of the biggest Thanksgiving Day parades next week.
The most notable parade is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in the heart of New York City.
Following some tricky travelling weather on Wednesday, Thanksgiving Day will be dry with sunshine.
Cold and wind will challenge those attending some of the biggest Thanksgiving Day parades next week
Thanksgiving is anticipated as a brisk day for New York City. Wind gusts on Thursday morning are expected to be between 20 and 30 mph. There could be a few isolated gusts to 35 mph.
These winds will make it feel even colder than the afternoon high in the lower 30s. Parade-time temperatures will be in the 20s, and will likely be in the teens early.
Not only will the winds make it feel colder, but they could also cause problems for the large floats and those helping to carry balloons.
Also in the I-95 corridor, the 6ABC Dunkin’ Donuts Thanksgiving Day Parade in Philadelphia will be fighting similar wind gusts.
Temperatures on Thursday morning for the oldest Turkey Day Parade in the country will also be in the 20s.
In the Midwest, the America’s Thanksgiving Parade in Detroit and the McDonald’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in Chicago will both be battling the cold. Like the Northeast, temperatures will be in the mid-20s for the morning, rising to the lower 30s in the afternoon.
Wind speeds are expected to be at or below 10 mph, so it will not feel quite as cold.
Macy’s has decided to move Joan Jett and her band off the South Dakota tourism float in its Thanksgiving Day parade after ranchers complained about having a vegetarian and animal rights advocate representing their state.
“I’ve decided to switch from South Dakota to another float because people’s political agendas were getting in the way of what should be a purely entertainment driven event,” Joan Jett said in a statement.
“I will remain focused on entertaining the millions of people watching, who will be celebrating a great American tradition.”
Orlando Veras, Macy’s parade spokesman, told The Associated Press that a new performer for the South Dakota float will be announced later.
He said that the annual parade in New York City is about entertainment, not advocacy, and that Macy’s was making the change “to prevent any further distraction from our entertainment mission”.
“The Parade has never taken on, promoted or otherwise engaged in social commentary, political debate, or other forms of advocacy, no matter how worthy,” Orlando Veras said in a statement.
“Macy’s intention is only to provide a range of entertaining elements and performers free of endorsements or agendas.”
Macy’s moved Joan Jett and her band off the South Dakota tourism float in its Thanksgiving Day parade
Some South Dakota farmers and ranchers voiced concern about the choice to put Joan Jett on the float because she is a supporter of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), which promotes a vegetarian diet and criticizes livestock production practices.
South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association President Cory Eich, who farms and ranches near Canova in eastern South Dakota, said Friday that he thinks it was a mistake to select Joan Jett because her stands don’t mesh with the state.
“Coming from such a rural state where livestock is such a part of our life, we didn’t think it was appropriate,” he said.
Cory Eich said his association “didn’t go looking for a fight,” but once Joan Jett’s affiliation with PETA was brought to the group’s attention, officials felt they had to respond accordingly.
“I wish it never would have gotten brought out,” he said.
Dan Mathews, PETA’s senior vice president, said that he’s happy with the publicity generated by the controversy.
“Thanks to South Dakota’s reactionary ranchers, people across the country have learned why Joan Jett supports PETA,” Dan Mathews said.
“The meat trade can’t stand any scrutiny of its cruelty,” he said.
South Dakota Tourism Secretary Jim Hagen has said that many people mistakenly assumed state officials selected Jett to appear on the float. None of the artists the state proposed were available or willing to appear in the parade, so Macy’s selected Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, he said.
The state pays $175,000 to support the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and have a float in the event, and $5,000 of that goes to pay expenses for the artist on the float, officials have said.
The South Dakota float, which has appeared each year since 2010, features Mount Rushmore, the Badlands, the Black Hills and more.
Don McLean appeared on the float last year. Previous years’ entries featured Neil Diamond and Mannheim Steamroller.
More than 3 million people are expected to watch Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on the streets of New York, with more than 50 million watching the event on television nationwide.
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This year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will have four new balloons along with the iconic Snoopy coming back.
On November 10, The Washington Post posted video of the parade’s four new balloons, which include “Adventure Time” alums Finn and Jake, “SpongeBob Square Pants,” Toothless from “How to Train Your Dragon,” and a revamped Snoopy balloon.
This year’s Snoopy balloon will feature the character’s feathered friend, Woodstock, riding on his head, marking the Peanuts dog’s 37th appearance at the Macy’s parade.
This year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will have four new balloons
According to Businesswire, this year’s Snoopy balloon further cements the classic comic character’s long-standing record for most appearances and most balloon versions in the annual parade.
Snoopy debuted in the 1968 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and since then the popular beagle has turned up as an astronaut (1969-1977), an ice skater (1986-1987), a flying ace (multiple appearances from the 1960s through 2011) and even Millennium Snoopy.
In addition to the debut of four new balloons, the parade’s previously announced performers include Carrie Underwood, Fall Out Boy, Gavin DeGraw, Ariana Grande, Fifth Harmony, Austin Mahone, Goo Goo Dolls, Florida Georgia Line, Cher Lloyd, Kellie Pickler, Megan Hilty, Kristin Chenoweth, Joan Jett, and Jimmy Fallon and The Roots.
Cirque du Soleil will also perform at this year’s parade, and there will be a 75th anniversary tribute to The Wizard of Oz. Reality stars from Duck Dynasty are also slated to appear.
The 2013 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade kicks off 9:00 a.m. ET on November 28 and will air live on NBC.
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There are a set of skills necessary to best experience the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in person that are learned from those who have made the trip.
The parade kicks off at 9 a.m. at 77th Street and Central Park West. It travels down Central Park West to Columbus Circle, where it turns onto Central Park South. From there, it’s on to Sixth Avenue – there are great spots here between 59th and 38th streets, but avoid 34th to 38th streets, which will be restricted due to national broadcast needs. It all wraps up in Herald Square.
According to the pros who brave the crowds each year, there are a few tried-and-true strategies:
1. The first and most important, arrive early.
“Get there as early as possible,” said aCEO of celebrityletters.com Chris Lucas.
“The parade begins at 9 a.m. and millions line the streets. You have a small window, from about 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. to find a spot where you can be close to the front and not have to peek over crowds 10 to 20 people deep. If you sleep-in and arrive late, all you’re going to see is the balloons overhead.”
Chris Lucas grew up in the New York City area, went to the parade several times as a youngster, but has attended every year for the past 15 years. Taking part in the holiday tradition has taught him something about dealing with the late November weather.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade kicks off at 9 am at 77th Street and Central Park West
2. Short-timers will advise you to bring a thermos of warm drinks to help ward off the chill. That would be a mistake. The first law of sidewalk dynamics states: fluid in, fluid out.
“It’s a cold morning, and the temptation is to bring coffee or another warming beverage,” Chris Lucas said.
“But there are zero public restrooms along the parade route, for security reasons, so filling up on liquids is the biggest no-no.”
Most of the stores, coffee shops and dining spots near the parade route close for the day anyway. Even if you find one open, it would be difficult to get through the crowd and then back to your spot.
3. Forget watching the parade from in front of Macy’s – you’ll need a bandstand ticket for that, and you’ll probably have to know someone in order to score one of those.
Chris Lucas’ best tips: “In addition to getting there as early as possible – I can’t stress that enough, especially if you have small children and want them to see the parade – my advice is to stay far away from Times Square or Herald Square. The best spots to view this year will be anywhere on Sixth Avenue from 59th to 50th street. Get there around 5 a.m., set up your chairs, relax with a book or mobile device and wait for the two-hour show that follows. It’s not to be missed.”
4. If claiming a spot of sidewalk during the pre-dawn hours in potentially chilling temperatures isn’t your vision of the ideal Thanksgiving Day, perhaps booking a hotel room with a great view of the proceedings is more acceptable.
Watching the parade from the comfort of your own hotel room is going to cost you.
There are a few things to remember before booking: Many hotels have strict occupancy rules, which means you can’t invite a large group to squeeze into your room with you, and some have a minimum-night stay associated with special packages. The best views are generally from the fifth to 15th floors. And while there are only days until the parade steps off, there are options for some last-minute planners.
5. Parking on the street is free, but don’t expect to find an abundance of it.
Expect prices at parking garages near the parade route to be more expensive. The Acela from South Station to Penn Station is about a 3.5 hours ride, with tickets ranging from $128 to $211 on November 27, and $145 to $272 returning home Thanksgiving night .
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Macy’s has revealed the lineup for its 87th Annual Thanksgiving Day which includes everything from circus acts to singers, Broadway to Duck Dynasty cast.
The bearded Robertson family from the wildly popular A&E show, which chronicles a business that makes products for duck hunters, will appear at the parade as well as Ariana Grande, Kristin Chenoweth, Jimmy Fallon, Fall Out Boy and numerous other acts.
The bearded Robertson family from Duck Dynasty will appear at the 87th Annual Thanksgiving Day
Hosts Matt Lauer, Al Roker and Savannah Guthrie of Today show will introduce rock acts including Fall Out Boy, Goo Goo Dolls and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, the network said. Both the Big Apple Circus and Cirque du Soleil will be on hand, as well as performers as disparate as the Cherokee National Youth Choir and Richard Simmons. Others include the Muppet family of Sesame Street.
The first hour of the 9 a.m.-to-noon telecast will feature Carrie Underwood and members of the cast of NBC’s The Sound of Music Live!. Following tradition, the Radio City Rockettes will perform, and cast members of Broadway musicals will sing selections from Matilda, Motown: The Musical and other shows.
